Student Stores Manager

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid leave

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Student Stores Manager to steer one of its most visible campus brands. You will lead the bookstore partnership and ensure an outstanding retail experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors.

The role requires strong leadership, data-driven decision making, and collaboration across departments to evolve campus retail, materials programs, and Carolina merchandise while supporting student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, retail management, hospitality, higher education administration, or related field.
• Experience in retail operations, business management, vendor management, contract administration, or customer service operations.
• Ability to analyze operational and financial performance data and translate into actionable recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of retail operations, customer service, and vendor management principles.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Commitment to customer service, continuous improvement, and student success.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the relationship with the university bookstore partner and ensure exceptional retail and campus experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors.
• Lead innovation and partnerships to shape campus retail, course materials, and Carolina merchandise while aligning with UNC's mission.

Skills

Retail operations

Vendor management

Contract administration

Data analysis

Customer service

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration/retail management/hospitality management/higher education administration

Job description

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Auxiliary Services provides a variety of services and products in a convenient and customer-oriented manner to enhance the quality of campus life for student, faculty, staff, and visitors. These services include: Armored Car, Carolina Dining Services, Carolina Managed Print Services, Laundry, PID Office, Print Stop Printing, Student Store, UNC One Card Office, University Mail Services, and Vending. The Print Stop & Copy Center offers walk-up, as well as online submission of printing and copying services to faculty, staff, and students. Services include B&W and color copies, posters, banners, lamination, and other related products as well as larger printing projects. It is also the official provider of UNC business cards, letterhead, and envelopes to the campus community.

Position Summary

The Student Stores Manager serves as the University’s strategic lead for one of the most visible and recognizable brands on campus Student Stores. This position oversees the relationship with the University’s bookstore partner and is responsible for ensuring exceptional retail and customer experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.
As the University’s primary liaison to the bookstore vendor(s), the Student Stores Manager drives innovation, strengthens campus partnerships, and helps shape the future of retail, course materials, technology, graduation products, and other Carolina merchandise. The position combines strategic thinking, business analysis, relationship management, and operational oversight to ensure Student Stores remains a vibrant destination that supports student success, enhances school spirit, and contributes to the University’s mission.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic and collaborative leader who enjoys building partnerships, solving problems, analyzing business performance, and developing creative solutions that improve customer experience and makes the Student Stores a premier a ‘must-visit’ location.
This role offers the opportunity to influence one of the most visible student-facing operations on campus as well as the iconic UNC Tar Heel brand. The Student Stores Manager helps shape a best-in-class collegiate retail and academic destination which is the epicenter of UNC spirit on camps. By combining strategy, business, innovation, and relationship management, this position plays a key role in enhancing the student experience and supporting the University’s mission.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Mid- to late-career with Master’s and 2- 4 yrs experience; Bachelor’s and 3-5 yrs experience

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, retail management, hospitality management, higher education administration, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in retail operations, business management, vendor management, contract administration, or customer service operations.
Experience analyzing operational and financial performance data and interpreting reports to make data-informed recommendations.
Knowledge of retail operations, customer service, and vendor management principles.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex university environment.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and communication skills.
Demonstrated commitment to customer service, continuous improvement, and supporting student success.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Ten (10) or more years of management experience.
Experience working in higher education, auxiliary services, retail management, or bookstore operations.
Experience managing vendor contracts, outsourced service providers, procurement, and RFP processes.
Knowledge of course materials programs, textbook adoption processes, and student affordability initiatives.
Experience with business analytics, financial reporting, business and financial analysis, and strategic planning.
Demonstrated skills in contract management, performance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management.
Experience in project management, process improvement, operational planning, customer experience management, and strategic thinking.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

N/A

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or most closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above
• * Describe your experience managing a campus bookstore.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your contract management experience (i.e., revenue size, number of contracts, involvement in RFPs, etc.).

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Explain your experience with budgeting, financial management, and driving business innovation.

  (Open Ended Question)